Stacker for beams

ABSTRACT

An automatic stacker with a hydraulically operated pivoting fork assembly for receiving beams from a continuously moving production line using a fork assembly, a drive assembly that operates automatically, a pair of moving bidirectional members in strands using various sensors and a control assembly with computer instructions that can engage a remote control and other live decks and roll cases, to allow automatic stacking of beams into tiers and into bundles, including stacking from a remote location while allowing monitoring and management of multiple stackers from a remote location.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to an automated device or a remote controlled device for stacking beams.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for an automated stacker that is fast, easy to use, and requires no training.

A need exists for a stacker that has few moving parts and higher reliability for continuous use.

A need exists for a stacker that provides greater levels of safety for workers in factories, such as saw mills and steel plants, to prevent accidents, which otherwise can cause loss of a finger, broken bones and even loss of both legs.

A need exists for an automatic stacker to prevent back injuries in saw mills and similar manufacturing plants that require heavy lifting by people.

A further need exists for a light weight, rust resistant automated assembly that can also operate associated conveying equipment to provide safe operation of the device by stopping the line if needed.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts two different embodiments of the automatic stacker with each automatic stacker connected to a ninety degree live deck and both ninety degree live decks connected to a roll case.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an embodiment of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of the automatic stacker in a stacking position.

FIG. 4 depicts a control assembly usable with the automatic stacker.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the data storage usable in the control assembly of FIG. 4 for the stacker.

FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective view of the automatic stacker with a first tier of beams wherein the beams are stacked with the forks in a clearance position.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the stacker with the first tier of beams in the clearance position with the forks in a receiving position.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the automatic stacker with the tier of beams in a clearance position with the forks supporting a predetermined amount of beams to form a second tier of stacked beams.

FIG. 9 is a side view depicting the formed second tier of stacked beams after FIG. 8 with the second tier being placed by the forks onto load bearing bidirectional moving members of the automatic stacker apart from the first tier of stacked beams positioned on the load bearing bidirectional moving members.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the stacker after FIG. 9 wherein the load bearing bidirectional moving members have positioned with the first tier against the second tier.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the automatic stacker with a first tier of beams and a second tier of beams in a clearance position from the forks.

FIG. 12 depicts the predetermined quantity of tiers of stacked beams forming a bundle, positioned at a predetermined fourth distance from the forks for loading or storage

FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 14 depicts a chain tightener assembly usable with the automatic stacker.

FIG. 15 depicts a detail of the controllable hydraulic components used to operate the automatic stacker.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the hydraulic valve assembly of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 17 depicts the ninety degree live deck usable with the automatic stacker and operable by the control assembly of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 18 depicts a stacking fork frame weldment usable in an embodiment of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 19 depicts a stacking fork assembly usable with the automatic stacker.

FIG. 20 shows a touch screen display of an executive dashboard usable herein.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The embodiments relate to an automated device or a remote controlled device for stacking beams from a live continuous feed line which is a moving production line

The embodiments further relate to an automatic stacker that can be run on hydraulic power and be operated using power from a diesel generator, an electric grid, wind power, or hydraulic power.

The automatic stacker can be used in a sawmill to automatically stack cut timber.

The automatic stacker can be used to stack 500 railroad ties in one hour automatically.

The automatic stacker provides a benefit of stacking four cut timbers automatically into tiers of stacked beams on a moving surface and building a bundle of six tiers equivalent to twenty-four railroad ties for loading or storage without any need for human intervention.

The automatic stacker can create within less than one day automatically eight bundles each of twenty-four timbers, wherein each bundle is 32 inches tall by 4 feet wide by 16 foot bundle of railroad ties.

The automatic stacker saves time in creating bundles of usable cut timber.

The automatic stacker can be used in an oil field fabrication shop to automatically stack without human intervention steel beams for use in building derricks or similar devices.

The automatic stacker can be used in a variety of environments to stack large packages for shipping, such as irrigation systems, which are prepackaged in large long boxes.

In an embodiment, the automatic stacker can be operated by remote control wired to the control assembly of the automatic stacker by a person in a room away from the automatic stacker.

In an embodiment, the automatic stacker can be operated by a remote control via a network from a control room.

In embodiments, multiple stackers can be monitored and operated from a remote location simultaneously over a network using an executive dashboard to indicate operational status, counts of beams loaded, and problems with connected machines.

For the purpose of this application, the word “beam” can refer to cut timbers, such as railroad ties, boat timbers, building timbers; heavy metal tubulars, such as pipe; long irrigation piping; lightweight very long objects, such as Styrofoam 12 foot rectangular objects; long heavy rectangular boxes, such as a box containing multiple steel rods; H-beams; I-beams made from steel; channel steel; box tubing; and rectangular or elliptical steel shaped objects that have a length longer than their width. The term beam can also include long polymer, concrete, or ferrous blocks, such as parking lot stops, and stackable speed bumps, pieces for horse gates, and car parts.

As used herein the term “moving production line” can refer to a line, which can continuously receive components from a source in a factory or a saw mill, and then produce these components to the stacker at regular intervals, such as continuously every 3 minutes. This term “moving production line” can also refer to a production line which may provide components in batches, enabling the automatic stacker to continuously stack components at 1 minute intervals automatically for 15 minutes, and then idle for a specified period of time. This term “moving production line” also can continuously run, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing the automatic stacker to stack at 1 to 3 minute intervals, as large products are produced to the automatic stacker.

The term “load bearing bidirectional moving members” as used herein can refer to moving members, which can be chain and steel combinations that has the flexibility to carry at least 10 pounds and up to 10 tons of stacked beams without deforming, without torqueing, without producing excessive friction, heat and wear. The term “load bearing” can refer to the ability to transport or move including pivoting, both light and extremely heavy objects, such as 16 railroad ties without deforming, heating up, torqueing, bending or otherwise distorting or failing.

The term “fork” as used herein can refer to 2 to 10 forks which can be plates of steel. The forks can be formed to each have an accumulating edge and an accumulation stop. The forks are mounted to a shaft so that the accumulating edges are in parallel with each other, all accumulating edges facing in the same direction, for engaging and supporting beams from a moving production line. The forks simultaneously and synchronously operate when pivoted by the shaft, all moving identically and at the same time.

The term “receive position” as used herein can refer to the position of the stacking fork assembly, so that a beam can slide over the accumulating edges of each of the plurality of forks simultaneously, using gravity such as at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the beam until a first beam touches the accumulation stop, a second beam touches the first beam, a third beam touches the second beam and so on until a user specified number of beams are received by the stacking fork assembly.

The term “stacking position” as used herein can refer to the position of the stacking fork assembly, wherein the plurality of beams lying at a right angle across the accumulating edges of each of the plurality of forks, simultaneously, forms a tier of beams that stands without any need of additional support on the load bearing bidirectional moving members simultaneously. In this definition, the stacking position has the tier positioned wherein the longitudinal orientation of the tier is generally at a right angle to the forward and reverse directions that the load bearing bidirectional moving members move.

The term “idler sprocket” as used herein can refer to a sprocket disposed over the retaining pin and can be a component of the chain tightener assembly which sits idle and inactive unless turned by one of the load bearing bidirectional moving members.

Turning now to the Figures, the automatic stacker is shown in FIG. 1 having two different embodiments, such as automatic stackers 85 a and 85 b for receiving beams which can be cut timber from a moving production line.

The automatic stackers 85 a and 85 b are shown each hydraulically and electronically connected to a unique live deck which is referred to herein as “ninety degree live decks” 150 a and 150 b. The ninety degree live decks 150 a and 150 b feed beams to the automatic stackers 85 a and 85 b.

Also shown in FIG. 1, is a live roll case 86. The live roll case can have pull off chains. The live roll case can have a live roll case control assembly 172 that controls the feeding of beams from a manufacturing area, such as the sawing area of a saw mill to either the connected ninety degree live deck 150 a or the ninety degree live deck 150 b, which changes depending on computer instructions from control assemblies 67 a and 67 b, of the stackers to the live roll case control assembly 172.

Although the stackers will be described in additional figures, it should be noted that the stackers can control the live roll case 86 operation. The live roll case has a plurality of rollers 140 a-140 o in a frame 141.

In this embodiment, the plurality of rollers 140 a-140 o can be driven by a roller chain (not shown) which is further driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown), causing beams such as cut timber which can be very large, very heavy, very dangerous rail ties, to move across some of the plurality of rollers 140 a-140 o in a first longitudinal direction on the frame 141.

In this embodiment, a plurality of pull off chains 143 a-143 d can be parts of the roll case and can be activated and deactivated by the automatic stacker to control feed of beams to the automatic stacker.

The pull off chains simultaneously move the beams such as railroad ties from a position longitudinally over the frame of the live roll case 86 enabling the beams to rest on moving chains of the ninety degree live deck, automatically moving to either the left hand ninety degree live deck or to the right hand ninety degree live deck, depending on signals from the control assemblies 67 a and 67 b.

The control assemblies use computer instructions to control the control assembly of the live roll case to indicate when to turn on and move beams or to turn off. The live roll case can stand by when the automatic stacker is not ready to receive beams for stacking.

The live roll case can only operate the moving pull off chains when the automatic stackers can receive beams, and otherwise the live roll case stays safely in an off or idle position, not using any significant energy, only using enough energy to receive the computer signals, without using energy to move the motors that operate the chains.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an embodiment of the automatic stacker 85.

FIG. 2 further shows a stacking fork assembly 29 secured to a main frame weldment 18.

The stacking fork assembly 29 has a plurality of forks 25 a-25 d mounted in parallel.

Each fork being formed from uniquely shaped plates of steel which can be burned out A-36 steel plates with a ½ inch thickness.

Each fork can have an accumulation stop 88 a-88 d. Fork 25 a is shown with accumulation stop 88 a, fork 25 b is shown with accumulation stop 88 b, fork 25 c is shown with accumulation stop 88 c, and fork 25 d is shown with accumulation stop 88 d.

A shaft 19 engages the plurality of forks 25 a-25 d simultaneously, allowing synchronous movement of the forks, namely synchronous pivoting.

The shaft 19 can be driven by a hydraulic cylinder 49. The shaft 19 can be pivoted by the hydraulic cylinders.

The shaft pivots the plurality of forks 25 a-25 d simultaneously between a receive position and a stacking position. The forks in this embodiment of FIG. 2 are displayed rotated in a receive position.

In one or more embodiments, each fork can have a beam stop 97, a clearance curve 96 and an accumulator edge 78 forming a three sided fork.

The accumulator edge 78 is the portion of the fork onto which the beams slide in succession to then form a tier of stacked beams which is then placed at a right angle onto the pair of load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b simultaneously.

In one or more embodiments, a plane of the moving production line, such as the live deck of the ninety degree live deck can be located at a first angle of inclination. The first angle of inclination can allow gravity to move beams from the ninety degree live deck or from the moving production line onto the plurality of forks. The angle of inclination can be from about 1 degree to about 20 degrees.

The stacking fork assembly 29 can move from a receiving position to a vertical stacking position.

An end of strand weldment sensor 71 can connect to the control assembly 67 to provide a signal to the control assembly 67 when a beam is detected.

A full tier sensor 68 is mounted to one of the stacking fork assembly 29. The full tier sensor 68 can send a signal to one or more components of the automatic stacker 85. The full tier sensor 68 can be in communication with the control assembly 67. The control assembly 67 can instruct the hydraulic cylinder 49 to rotate the stacking fork assembly 29 to unload the stacking fork assembly 29.

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of the automatic stacker in a stacking position.

A plurality of beams 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, and 81 d can form a tier of beams. The depicted tier is a tier of railroad ties held by the plurality of forks, in which fork 25 a is labeled.

The tier is resting across both load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b contained within the main frame weldment 18.

The control assembly 67 can be mounted to the main frame weldment 18.

The plurality of forks are presented in this embodiment in the “stacking position” which is different from the “receive position” shown in FIG. 2.

The plurality of forks rotate clockwise from receive position to stacking position and then counterclockwise back to the “receive” position using the control assembly 67 and its associated parts and computer instructions.

FIG. 4 depicts internals of the housing 66 of the control assembly 67.

The control assembly 67 can communicate with various other components including but not limited to: (i) a power supply 3, (ii) controllable hydraulic components, which are shown in FIG. 13, (iii) the drive assembly, which are also shown in FIG. 13, and (iv) load bearing bidirectional moving members.

The control assembly 67 can have a housing 66. The housing 66 can be any enclosure. The enclosure can be a hinged steel box. The housing 66 can contain a programmable controller 61.

The programmable controller 61 can be a programmable logic controller, or another small computer. The programmable controller 61 can be in communication with a stacking position sensor 63 mounted to the housing or proximate to the housing for sensing when the stacking fork assembly is in a stacking position.

Additionally the control assembly can include a receiving position sensor 64 in communication with the programmable controller 61 for sensing when the stacking fork assembly is in a receiving position for accepting, sequentially a predetermined number of beams, which in embodiments can be cut timber, or long packing boxes.

The control assembly 67 can also include a data storage 83, which can be in communication with the programmable controller 61.

The housing 66 of the control assembly 67 in this embodiment depicts the programmable controller 61 in wired communication with the outputs to the various devices including the stacking position sensor 63 and the receiving position sensor 64 using wiring harnesses 62 a and 62 b.

A contact block 4 can be installed in the housing. The contact block 4 can be connected with the stacking position sensor 63 and the receiving position sensor 64 using wiring harnesses 62 a and 62 b. The contact block 4 can also be connected with the programmable controller 61.

It should be noted that the automatic stacker has a significant benefit of reducing a facility's exposure to workman compensation claims, as the automated device will reduce the costs and expense associated with back injuries experienced by workers when lifting heavy loads, such as railroad ties or long tubulars for offshore drilling rigs which improve the American Economy by lowering fuel costs.

FIG. 5 depicts the data storage 83 containing computer instructions to actuate controllable hydraulic components 100. The computer instructions to actuate controllable hydraulic components 100 can be used to pivot the stacking fork assembly from the receiving position to the vertical stacking position and count a quantity of beams that are loaded on the forks as the beams load by gravity onto the accumulating edges of the parallel mounted forks simultaneously.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to actuate controllable hydraulic components 100 can count beams and compare the counted beams with preset quantities of beams in the data storage and then pivot the forks through a preset number of degrees when the detected quantity of beams equals the preset quantity of beams.

The data storage 83 can also contains computer instructions to count current number of tiers and save the current number resting across the load bearing bidirectional moving members 101.

The computer instructions to count current number of tiers and save the current number resting across the load bearing bidirectional moving members 101 can count the number of tiers of beams resting on the load bearing bidirectional moving members and save the acquired number of tiers of beams resting on the load bearing bidirectional moving members in the data storage.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to actuate hydraulic components that move the load bearing bidirectional moving members forward or in reverse 102.

The computer instructions to actuate hydraulic components that move the load bearing bidirectional moving members forward or in reverse 102 can activate the hydraulic components to operate the load bearing bidirectional moving members in forward and reverse specifically while carrying a first tier to a predetermined first distance, shown in FIG. 6, away from the stacking fork assembly when both the full tier sensor in FIG. 2, and the stacking position sensor of FIG. 4, are simultaneously activated.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to actuate the hydraulic components to rotate the stacking fork assembly back to the receiving position when the full tier sensor deactivates 104.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to deactivate the hydraulic components when the receiving position sensor detects the stacking fork assembly in the receiving position 105.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to actuate the hydraulic components to move the load bearing bidirectional moving members towards the forks to a predetermined second distance when the count of tiers exceeds one 106.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to count time and compare the counted time to a predetermined time as the load bearing bidirectional moving members are run in reverse moving tiers towards the stacking fork assembly 107.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to cause the load bearing bidirectional moving members to change direction of movement to the opposite direction away from the stacking fork assembly to move tiers of beams on the load bearing bidirectional moving members, to a third predetermined position 108.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to (a) count (i) beams for stacking, (ii) tiers of stacked beams in sequence, and to (b) activate the load bearing bidirectional moving members with a count of beams and tiers that match a predetermined quantity as a bundle ready for shipment or processing, automatically, to a final position 109.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to stop the movement of the load bearing bidirectional moving members when a full bundle has reached the final position 110.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to halt operation of the automatic stacker when the end of strand weldment sensor detects a presence of a beam or a tier 112.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to turn on or turn off a connected ninety degree live deck based on a command from the automatic stacker control assembly 120.

The data storage 83 can include computer instructions to turn on or turn off a connected live roll case based on a command from the automatic stacker control assembly 122.

FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective view of the automatic stacker 85 with a first tier of beams 87 in a clearance position 92.

The plurality of forks 25 a-25 d are shown in a “stacking position”. The first tier of beams 87 is shown in a “clearance position” since the first tier of beams 87 has been moved using the control assembly 67 with computer instructions to cause the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b, contained within a first strand weldment 13 a and a second strand weldment 13 b to move the first tier of beams 87 to the clearance position 92. The clearance position 92 can be a first predetermined distance away from the plurality of forks 25 a-25 d.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the automatic stacker 85 and a perspective view of the stacking fork assembly having the plurality of forks 25 a-25 d rotated to a receive position which is different from the stacking position.

The first tier of beams 87 can be at the clearance position when the plurality of forks 25 a-25 d are in a receiving position. The first tier of beams 87 can rest on the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the automatic stacker 85 with the first tier of beams 87 made up of a plurality of beams 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, and 81 d stacked on top of each other.

The first tier of beams 87 is in a clearance position.

The plurality of forks 25 a-25 d are depicted supporting a predetermined amount of beams 81 e, 81 f, 81 g, and 81 h that upon pivoting the forks to a stacked position, will form a second tier of beams.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the automatic stacker 85 depicting a second tier of beams 89 on the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b.

The second tier of beams 89 is still made up of a plurality of beams 81 e, 81 f, 81 g, and 81 h. The first tier of beams 87 is also shown with the plurality of beams 81 a, 81 b, 81 c, and 81 d.

The second tier of beams 89 is initially separated from the first tier of beams 87 on the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b by a space which will vary depending on the size of the beams to be loaded. For railroad ties, the space can be a distance from about 1 inch to about 6 inches.

The first tier of beams 87 is shown at the clearance position 92 at a first predetermined distance away from the plurality of forks.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the automatic stacker 85 after FIG. 9 activity, wherein the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b have positioned the first tier of beams 87 against the second tier of beams 89 by moving the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b towards the second tier of beams 89. The first tier of beams 87 are at and adjacent the clearance position 92.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the automatic stacker 85 with the first tier of beams 87 and the second tier of beams 89 positioned away from the plurality of forks with the second tier of beams 89 at the clearance position 92. The first tier of beams 87 are at and adjacent the clearance position 94. The adjacent clearance position 94 can be at a third predetermined distance.

FIG. 12 shows the automatic stacker 85 with the predetermined quantity of tiers of stacked beams forming a bundle 300, positioned at a predetermined fourth distance 95 from the plurality of forks for loading or storage.

FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of the automatic stacker 85.

The automatic stacker 85 has a main frame weldment 18 made up of a first strand weldment 13 a and a second strand weldment 13 b, wherein the first and second strand weldments are oriented in parallel with each other and extend from a back cross member 15 which is connected between one end of each strand weldment.

A front cross member 16 can connect between the first and second strand weldments 13 a and 13 b opposite the back cross member 15 at a point from about 25 percent to about 50 percent along the longitudinal length of each strand weldment, between the strand weldments.

The back cross member 15 can be a ½ inch steel burn out plate with dimensions such as 102 inches long by 16 inches in width. The front cross member 16 can be a 4 inch by 4 inch steel box tube 102 inches long.

Each strand weldment can have a projecting weldment stop 41 a and 41 b. Each strand weldment can have front guards 6 a and 6 b for eliminating pinch point and preventing broken bones, pinched skin, cutting off of fingers and feet and similar harms.

At least one of the projecting weldment stops 41 a or 41 b can support the end of strand weldment sensor 71 for causing tiers of stacked beams to stop when a tier bundle (shown in FIG. 12) approaches the projecting weldment stop. The end of the strand weldment sensor 71 provides an additional safety stop preventing harm in the facility.

Each strand weldment can be made from two sides. The first side and the second side can be oriented in parallel with each other and connected together, forming a connected beam to protect and support the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b between the sides. Each strand weldment 13 a and 13 b can support one of the load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a or 50 b.

Each side can also have a first portion with a first height to support the load bearing bidirectional moving members. Each side can have a weldment stop formed in an end of the first portion with a second height.

Opposite the weldment stop, another portion of each strand weldment has a third height supporting the back cross member 15 at a height greater than the first height of the strand weldments, allowing the beams to move from a horizontal sequentially held receiving position to a stacked tier position upon pivoting of the plurality of forks and using the hydraulic cylinder to move the forks downward along with gravity to reduce work on the hydraulic cylinder.

The beams move from a first height above the strand weldments to form a stacked tier when placed upon the load bearing bidirectional moving members in the strand weldments.

The forks drop lower than the load bearing bidirectional moving members, allowing easy deposition of the tiers on the load bearing bidirectional moving members.

The load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b can each include a chain. The chain can be driven by a drive assembly 38 connected to the main frame weldment 18. The load bearing bidirectional moving members can in an embodiment include chain that is 81X steel conveyor chain.

Each chain of each load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a and 50 b can connect to driven sprockets 45 a on one end and on the opposite end idler sprockets.

At least one chain tightener assembly 47 a and 47 b can be mounted on each end of the load bearing bidirectional moving members. Each chain tightener assembly 47 a and 47 b can be used for tightening the moving loop of chain shown in this embodiment.

The chain can have a different form which is not a loop in one or more embodiments.

The chain can be replaced with load bearing bidirectional moving members selected from the group: belts, rolling platforms, sliding skids, walking floors, or combinations thereof. The connected moveable load supporting conveying members can be adapted to support and move a load up to 10 tons without deforming.

The chain tighter assembly can be attached within each strand weldment in this embodiment.

The drive assembly 38 can be made up of a hydraulic motor 30 such as a Eaton brand model 101-1013-009 model number variable speed hydraulic motor. A gear box 34 can be connected to the hydraulic motor 30.

A shaft 35, which can be about 102 inches long and about 2 and 3/16^(th) inches in diameter, can be used between the gear box 34 and a bearing. Two bearings can be used in the drive assembly, bearing 37 a can be viewed in this Figure. Bearings engage each strand weldment 13 a and 13 b.

The shaft 35 can be rotated by the hydraulic motor 30. The hydraulic motor 30 can first rotate the gear box 34 which then rotates the shaft 35 supported by the bearings 37 a for moving each load bearing bidirectional moving members 50 a, 50 b, simultaneously, in tandem. The shaft can be a rod of solid steel.

A pair of rear guards 74 a and 74 b can be used to protect users in the facility from bodily harm and reduce workmen compensation claims to a facility providing a safer, friendly work environment.

In embodiments wherein the controllable hydraulic components can include a rack and pinion, a linear actuator, a chain and gear box, a helical gear assembly to pivot the stacking fork assembly without using the hydraulic cylinder. These components can optionally be used with another hydraulic motor.

Although the automatic stacker 85 can be operated in this embodiment with a hydraulic motor, the control assembly 67 can be connected to the power supply for receiving electricity, such as solar power or wind power, power from a generator or another electric power source.

Also in this view is the stacking fork assembly 29 showing a plurality of forks connected together in parallel.

The stacking fork assembly 29 can be pivoted by hydraulic cylinders 49 a and 49 b which are shown mounted to a hydraulic cylinder mount 17 b.

The stacking fork assembly 29 pivots on bearings 2 a and 2 b, as the hydraulic cylinders extend and retract, pivoting the stacking fork assembly to a receive position, as the hydraulic cylinders extend and to a stacking position as the hydraulic cylinders retract.

FIG. 13B shows a remote control 98 which can be connected to the control assembly 67 by a network 99 allowing a user to control the drive assembly from a control room or remote location.

The network 99 can be a local area network, the World Wide Web, or a cellular network.

The remote control 98 can be in communication with a remote control power supply 116. The remote control power supply 116 can be solar rechargeable batteries.

The remote control 98 can also include a processor 115. The processor 115 can be communication with a remote control data storage 117.

The remote control data storage 117 can include computer instructions to view operation of a plurality of automatic stackers 114. The computer instructions to view operation of a plurality of automatic stackers 114 can enable a person remote from the automatic stackers to view the operation of one or more of the automatic stackers. For example, a person remote from the automatic stackers can view a first automatic stacker and second automatic stacker simultaneously.

The computer instructions to view operation of a plurality of automatic stackers 114 can also form an executive dashboard. The executive dashboard is discussed in more detail in FIG. 20.

The use of the remote control 98 connected to each automatic stacker allows for accurate counting to monitor multiple customer orders for compliance at regular and instantaneous intervals to check on production problems and keep a facility running faster, better, cheaper, and in compliance with customer needs.

In another embodiment, the remote control 98 can be wired to the control assembly 67 with a wire 77 to allow an operator to stand apart from the automatic stacker to initiate the operation of the automatic stacker, which then runs stacking operations, automatically.

The remote control data storage 117 can include computer instructions to cause the automatic stacker control assembly to send out a bundle or “part pack” 136.

FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of the chain tightener assembly 47 usable with each load bearing bidirectional moving member of the automatic stacker.

The chain tightener assembly can include a chain tightener weldment 42 which can support a pin 43.

An idler sprocket 46 a rotates around the pin 43 which can be held into the chain tightener weldment with a tab 44.

FIG. 15 depicts a detail of the controllable hydraulic components 60 used to operate the automatic stacker.

Controllable hydraulic components 60 rotate the stacking fork assembly from a receiving position shown in FIG. 2 to a vertical stacking position shown in FIG. 3 when the full tier sensor has provided signals to the control assembly.

Controllable hydraulic components 60 in this embodiment can be mounted to the main frame weldment and in communication with a hydraulic fluid supply 145.

The controllable hydraulic components 60 include a hydraulic valve assembly 56 such as a Duplomatic model D53-S3/11N-D24K1 valve; a hydraulic motor 30 such as an Eaton 101-1013-009 motor in communication with the hydraulic valve assembly 56. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 49 a and 49 b can each have a rod 48 a and 48 b. Each hydraulic cylinder can be fluidly connected to the hydraulic valve assembly 56 with hydraulic hoses. TRD Illinois manufactures usable hydraulic cylinders able to handle pressure from about 800 to about 3000 psi.

Hydraulic hoses 57 a and 57 b are “in an out” hydraulic fluid lines for the first hydraulic cylinder 49 a.

Hoses 57 c and 57 d are “in and out” hydraulic fluid lines for the second hydraulic cylinder 49 a.

Hydraulic hoses 57 e and 57 f are “in and out” hydraulic fluid lines for the hydraulic motor 30.

Hydraulic hoses 57 g and 57 h are pressure and tank hydraulic fluid lines for providing the fluid to and from the external fluid supply.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the hydraulic valve assembly 56 of the automatic stacker.

The hydraulic valve assembly 56 can include a hydraulic manifold 51, such as a D03 standard flow Parallel Circuit Manifold made by Daman of Indiana, a flow control module 52, such as a MERS-D/50 made by Duplomatic for a hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic manifold; a first solenoid directional valve 53, such as a DS3-53/11N-D24K1 made by Duplomatic, for the hydraulic motor; a check valve 55, such as a MVPP-D/50 made by Duplomatic for the pair of hydraulic cylinders connected to the hydraulic manifold 51; a flow control module 54, such as a MERS-GD/50 made by Duplomatic fluidly communicates with the check valve 55; and a second solenoid directional valve 58, which can be identical to the first solenoid valve for the pair of hydraulic cylinders fluidly engages the flow control module 54.

FIG. 17 depicts a ninety degree live deck 150 a usable with the automatic stacker and operable by the control assembly of the automatic stacker.

The ninety degree live deck 150 a can include an outside strand 154, an inside stand 152 and a center strand 156 between the outside strand and the inside strand, positioned equidistantly between the strands. Each strand provides a ninety degree curve allowing timbers or beams to be moved automatically from the live roll case to the automatic stacker.

The strands support a plurality of short drive shafts 162 a, 162 b, and 162 c. A long drive shaft 160 can also be used to operate the various chains.

The strands support various sprockets which engage chains for moving the loads on their decks.

Sprockets 168 a and 168 b can be chain sprockets. The sprockets 168 a and 168 b can support roller chain.

Sprockets 170 a, 170 b, 170 c, 170 d, 170 e, and 170 f can be polyflex chain sprockets for polyflex chain.

The strands can be positioned on legs 174 a, 174 b, 174 c, 174 d, 174 e, and 174 f and connected to each other using support members 176 a, 176 b, and 176 c.

The inside strand 152 having a ninety degree curve, with an inside chain 153 mounted in the inside strand. The inside chain can have a first length such as from about 15 feet to about 25 feet. The inside chain can be made of polymer with self-lubricating components that can be from about 1 inch to about 5 inches apart.

The outside strand 154 having a ninety degree curve; with an outside chain 155 in the outside strand. The outside chain 155 has a second length longer than the first length, such as from about 35 to about 50 feet. The outside chain can be made of the same material as the inside chain, with links disposed from about 1 inch to about 5 inches apart.

The center strand 156 can have a center chain 157 the center strand having a third length between the first and second lengths, such as from about 25 feet to about 35 feet. The center chain can be made of the same material as the inside and outside chains.

A drive assembly connects to the chains of the strands. The drive assembly can be connected interchangeably on the ninety degree live deck as a right hand drive assembly or a left hand drive assembly (not shown) on opposite ends of the strands.

A deck hydraulic motor 164 can be connected to the long drive shaft 160 and the short drive shafts 162 a and 162 b. The deck hydraulic motor 164 is in communication with a hydraulic assembly which can be a remote hydraulic motor or the hydraulic motor of the automatic stacker.

FIG. 18 depicts a stacking fork frame weldment 24 usable in an embodiment of the automatic stacker.

Rod mounts 22 a and 22 b secure to the shaft 19 for connecting with the rods (shown in FIG. 15).

Collars 23 a and 23 b can be used around the shaft 19 for preventing and controlling longitudinal movement of the shaft.

A plurality of fork mounts 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d are shown optionally mounted to a tubular 20 in parallel with the shaft 19. However, in other embodiments, the fork mounts can be installed on the shaft 19 directly without using the tubular 20.

FIG. 19 depicts a second embodiment of the stacking fork frame assembly 24 usable with the automatic stacker.

The plurality of forks 25 a-25 d are shown in this embodiment welded directly to the shaft 19.

Each fork can have a beam stop 97 a-97 d, a clearance curve 96 a-96 d, and an accumulator edge 78 a-78 d.

Fork 25 a has accumulation stop 88 a, fork 25 b has accumulation stop 88 b, fork 25 c has accumulation stop 88 c, and fork 25 d has accumulation stop 88 d. Also shown are rod mounts 22 a-22 d.

In another embodiment, the accumulating edge can connect to the accumulation stop at an angle ranging from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. The accumulation stop prevents beam or cut timber or large rectangular items from sliding off individual forks.

With the need to conserve energy usage, this uniquely controlled and automated assembly will save significant energy costs in saw mills and other manufacturing and material handling facilities.

FIG. 20 shows a touch screen display of an executive dashboard usable herein.

The executive dashboard provides stacker information in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The executive dashboard 122 shows a first automatic stacker status 125 as a visual image with the forks oriented in their current real time position and a second automatic stacker status 127 as a visual image with the forks of the second stacker oriented in their current real time position.

The executive dashboard 122 tracks the actual time, day, and date 129 for viewing these two simultaneous images.

In one or more embodiments, the executive dashboard can be illuminated when each automatic stacker is on.

The executive dashboard can provide information including, but not limited to, a quantity of tiers in a tracking box 131 a and 131 b are shown

In FIG. 20, the first automatic stacker 85 a is shown with a single tier of beams 133 a loaded and the second automatic stacker 85 b is shown with a bundle 133 b loaded.

The executive dashboard 122 can also portray a selected beam size box 135 a and 135 b such as the size of a railroad tie. The size can be selected from a drop down menu of sizes of beams.

A commend box 137 a and 137 b can be on the executive dashboard 122 allowing a remote user to transmit a command using the remote control to send out a bundle or “part pack”.

The same computer instructions can be used to compute a rate of completion for job orders, providing information on time and day when certain jobs will be completed based on the automated operation of the stacker for the best possible customer compliance.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic stacker for stacking beams from a moving production line, wherein the automatic stacker comprises: a. controllable hydraulic components comprising a hydraulic motor in communication with a hydraulic fluid supply; b. a drive assembly connected to the controllable hydraulic components; c. a control assembly connected to the drive assembly and the controllable hydraulic components; d. load bearing bidirectional moving members simultaneously and in tandem operated by the drive assembly for supporting and conveying a stack of beams; e. a stacking fork assembly for receiving beams in sequence using gravity from the moving production line, forming the stack of beams from beams received in sequence, and for pivoting and placing the formed stack of beams from the moving production line onto the load bearing bidirectional moving members, wherein the stacking fork assembly comprises: (i) a plurality of forks, wherein each fork has an accumulating edge and an accumulation stop, and wherein each fork has a beam stop forming a radius from a pivot point, wherein the beam stop prevents beams from the moving production line from moving while the plurality of forks pivot from a receive position to a stacking position or prevents beams from the moving production line from moving while the plurality of forks pivot from the stacking position to the receive position; and (ii) a shaft for supporting the plurality of forks in parallel, wherein the shaft, the plurality of forks, or combinations thereof, engage the controllable hydraulic components, and wherein the controllable hydraulic components pivot the plurality of forks mounted to the shaft simultaneously and synchronously from the receive position to the stacking position and back to the receive position; and f. a full tier sensor mounted to the stacking fork assembly for sensing when the stack of beams reaches a preset quantity.
 2. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the accumulating edge connects the accumulation stop at an angle ranging from 80 degrees to 100 degrees.
 3. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the stacking fork assembly has a stacking frame weldment with a lock collar for providing longitudinal movement control on the stacking fork frame weldment.
 4. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the controllable hydraulic components further comprise a hydraulic valve assembly, at least one hydraulic cylinder with a rod, and wherein each hydraulic cylinder is fluidly connected to the hydraulic valve assembly for controlling fluid flow from the hydraulic fluid supply to the hydraulic motor or the hydraulic cylinder using computer instructions in the control assembly to operate the automatic stacker.
 5. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the controllable hydraulic components comprise a rack and pinion, a linear actuator, a chain and gear box, a helical gear assembly to pivot the stacking fork assembly using the hydraulic motor.
 6. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the load bearing bidirectional moving members are connected with moveable load supporting conveying members selected from the group consisting of: chains, belts, rolling platforms, sliding skids, walking floors, and combinations thereof, and wherein the connected moveable load supporting conveying members are adapted to support and move a load up to 10 tons without deforming.
 7. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stack fork mounts affixed to the shaft and wherein each stack fork removably engages one of the stack fork mounts.
 8. The automatic stacker of claim 7, wherein the stacking fork assembly comprises a tubular mounted in parallel with the shaft and connected to the plurality of stack fork mounts.
 9. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising a remote control for communicating via a network or a wire with the control assembly of the automatic stacker from a location remote to the automatic stacker.
 10. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising an end of strand weldment sensor mounted proximate to an end of the load bearing bidirectional moving members opposite the stacking fork assembly to detect a presence of a beam and communicates with computer instructions in the control assembly to stop the movement of the load bearing bidirectional moving members.
 11. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising an end of strand weldment sensor mounted proximate to an end of the load bearing bidirectional moving members opposite the stacking fork assembly to detect a presence of a beam and communicates with computer instructions connected to the end of strand weldment sensor to halt operation of the automatic stacker.
 12. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly operates the load bearing bidirectional moving members, wherein the drive assembly further comprises: a. a gear box connected to the hydraulic motor; b. a shaft projecting from the gear box; c. a first sprocket connected to a first end of the shaft; d. a second sprocket connected to a second end of the shaft; and e. a plurality of bearings mounted to the shaft adjacent each sprocket for supporting and positioning the sprockets, and wherein the drive assembly with hydraulic motor rotates the shaft clockwise and counterclockwise at variable speeds based on commands from the control assembly.
 13. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of chain tightener assemblies, wherein one of the plurality of chain tightener assemblies is attached to one of the load bearing bidirectional moving members, wherein each chain tightener assembly comprises: a. a chain tightener weldment; b. a retaining pin extending across the chain tightener weldment; and c. an idler sprocket installed on the retaining pin within the chain tightener weldment for engaging the load bearing bidirectional moving member and rotating when the load bearing bidirectional moving member rotates.
 14. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the full tier sensor is calibrated to produce a signal when one of the stacks of beams is within a predetermined sensor range of the full tier sensor and to deactivate when one of the stacks of beam is outside the predetermined sensor range.
 15. The automatic stacker of claim 2, wherein the controllable hydraulic components comprise a valve assembly connected to the control assembly for operating the at least one hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor, wherein the valve assembly further comprises: a. a first solenoid directional valve connected to the control assembly and fluidly connected to the hydraulic motor; and b. a second solenoid directional valve connected to the control assembly and fluidly connected to the at least one hydraulic cylinder.
 16. The automatic stacker of claim 15, wherein valve assembly further comprises: a. a hydraulic manifold; b. a check valve for the at least one hydraulic cylinder connected to the hydraulic manifold; c. a first flow control module connected to the hydraulic manifold for fluidly communicating with the hydraulic motor; and d. a second flow control module for the at least one hydraulic cylinder fluidly communicating with check valve.
 17. The automatic stacker of claim 1, further comprising a ninety degree live deck comprising: a. an inside strand having a ninety degree curve; b. an inside chain in the inside strand having a first length; c. an outside strand having a ninety degree curve; d. an outside chain in the outside strand having a second length longer than the first length; e. a center strand between the inside and outside strands having a ninety degree curve; f. a center chain for the center strand having a third length between the first and second lengths; and g. a ninety degree live deck drive assembly connected to the inside, outside and center chains, wherein the ninety degree live deck drive assembly can be connected interchangeably on the ninety degree live deck as a right hand ninety degree live deck drive assembly or a left hand ninety degree live deck drive assembly on opposite ends of the strands, and further wherein the ninety degree live deck drive assembly comprises: (i) a long drive shaft connecting to the chains of each strand; (ii) a plurality of short drive shafts with one of the short drive shafts for each strand, and wherein the short drive shafts have a length less than the long drive shaft allowing the chains in each strand to operate at different speeds; (iii) a deck hydraulic motor connected to the long drive shaft and the short drive shafts in communication with a ninety degree live deck hydraulic assembly; (iv) a plurality of roller chain sprockets and a plurality of polyflex chain sprockets, wherein the sprockets engage the short drive shafts and the roller chain sprockets engage the long drive shafts, wherein the sprockets have different speed ratios enabling the chains of the strands to be operated at different speeds by the ninety degree live deck hydraulic motor; and (v) a ninety degree deck control assembly in communication with the control assembly of the automatic stacker for implementing computer instructions to turn on or turn off the ninety degree live deck based on computer instructions originating from the automatic stacker control assembly.
 18. The automatic stacker of claim 17, further wherein the ninety degree live deck further comprises: a. a plurality of legs for supporting the stands; and b. a plurality of support members disposed between the stands for reducing torque on the strands as load is applied to the stands.
 19. The automatic stacker of claim 1, wherein the control assembly provides an executive dashboard for monitoring of at least one stacker from a remote location. 